Macro- and Microvascular Function in Middle-Aged Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Science

Background:

• Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
• Subtle signs of vascular impairment may exist in seemingly healthy individuals.
• Assessing both macrovascular and microvascular function is crucial for early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microvascular function in healthy individuals with early signs of macrovascular endothelial dysfunction.
• To compare microvascular reactivity between individuals with normal and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Main Methods:

• Recruited healthy participants aged 30-55 years.
• Measured brachial artery reactivity using flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
• Assessed retinal vessel reactivity using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyser (DVA).

Main Results:

• Individuals with reduced FMD showed significantly impaired microvascular arterial dilation response to flickering light.
• Reduced FMD group exhibited decreased arteriolar maximum dilation, prolonged reaction time, and lower dilation amplitude.
• These findings indicate a simultaneous impairment at both macro- and microvascular levels.

Conclusions:

• Early vascular dysfunction is detectable in healthy middle-aged individuals.
• Impaired flow-mediated dilation (macrovascular) is associated with compromised retinal microvascular function.
• Vascular health assessment should consider both macrovascular and microvascular parameters.